Just started the pump and really need Help

Hi everyone I'm new here. I just started the pump 2 weeks ago, and so far I hate it. I had better control over my blood sugars with taking injections everyday. I know it's because i'm not use to it yet but I dont know what to do or dont know what i'm doing wrong. I'm on the minimed 722. I understand the whole putting in your carbs and it delivers the insulin but to me there's no way in my mind it's giving me the right amount. When i was on injections i took 40 Units of novolog before a meal. I guess now I dont understand that if i put in that i'm eating 40 grams of carbs the amount of insulin it's givine me is correct. Before my blood sugars would run excellent. My last A1C was 6.5. I just took my blood sugar just now and it was 305. and my pump suggested me taking an injection instead. I havent seen a blood sugar in the 300's in forever. Yet when i woke up this morning it was 261. So something is being done wrong but the nurse said i'm doing it right i just have to get use to it. I've even put in the carbs amount and when it gives me the insulin amount it wants to put it, i increase it. So I don't know. Any suggestions on what I can be doing wrong will be greatly appreciated. I'm 2 seconds from throwing this thing out with the trash. It's frustrating not feeling good all the time because my sugars are always high now. I dont know if it's because my body spent the last 15years doing it one way and now i'm doing something new my body is freaking out. Seriously if anyone can offer me any help or advice I would love to hear it.

85 replies

I agree with everything Blondie wrote below. I started on my pump last August and love it. Although, the first few months can be difficult and frustrating. I found that my endo had been very conservative in initially setting the basal rates and my carb to insulin ratio. Your "insulin sensitivity" is also a factor. I am using the Medtronic Minimed Revel 523 pump and wouldn't go back to multiple daily injections. It took us a full 3 months to get the pump to where it made sense and I felt back in control. Still doing a bit of "tweaking" now and then. I'm kicking myself for not starting the pump sooner. I've also found that I'm using less insulin now on the pump than I did with the injections and getting better results. One important item I wanted to add was that in the initial months I was testing my blood sugar from 7 to 10 times a day to get the data needed for the doctor to properly establish the basal and bolus rates in the pump. It was a pain but necessary .

I can relate to what you said. I used injections for almost 62 years, and started pumping in 2007. I could have started in the early 1990s, but didn't. There were not any websites like this one to ask questions about pumping back then. My doctor did not see the need for my pumping, so I did not start. People on the websites in 2006 convinced me to use a pump.

Dear Richard, You are such an inspiration to us all. I too could have started on the pump earlier, back in the 1990's, but didn't like the idea of being connected to something 24/7. It wasn't until I started having scary frequent lows that I realized the MDI were no longer working well for me. It gave me the incentive and motivation to make the pump work for me. I'm lovin' it!

EDIT: Guess I should have read the entire thread before I wrote this whole thing! LOL Glad you're doing better with the pump and it's so nice to see so many pumpers here. I often feel like the only one out there, as I don't know anyone else who pumps. Congrats and hope it continues to go well!

Hello,

I understand your frustration. My first month or 2 on the pump were a nightmare! I'm on the Minimed 522, so I'm familiar with your pump. There are several things that I would suggest you look into. The first is your carb/insulin ratio. Perhaps that needs to be adjusted? For instance, from 3am - 10am, I need one unit of insulin for every 12 carbs that I eat. From 10am - 2am, I need one unit of insulin for every 15 carbs I eat. This helps to keep my sugar in check in the early hours of the morning when my liver is releasing glucose and my sugar tends to be higher.

Also, it's possible that you haven't found the right basal rates yet. This is something that took me a very long time to learn to adjust. I'm sure that your nurse or doctor could work through this with you. Perhaps you could do the 3 day continuous glucose monitoring system through your endo? Many endo's offer this option so that you can see what your blood sugar is doing over a three day period in 5 minute increments, so that you know how to adjust your basal rate and boluses. Because, let's face it, even if your boluses are accurate, if your basal rate isn't, your sugar will still go high and/or low. You might need to increase your basal rate in the wee hours of the morning to counter act dawn phenomenon, which is when your liver puts out more glucose and causes your sugar to go up.

The third thing is learning how foods affect you and how to make your insulin work with those foods. For instance, pizza may take 2 hours to kick in, so you may need to use a square or dual wave bolus to make sure your insulin is working when you need it to.

Please hang in there. I know it's very frustrating, but you will get the hang of it. In time you'll really learn how to make the pump work for you and your diabetes and you'll probably never want to go back to shots again. I know I certainly don't! Take care,

After reading most of the above comments, at least I now know what a "pumper" is! Here in Ks. we refere to "pumping oil wells" But I knew that I was smart (hahah) that is NOT what everyone was referring to! Wish that it were, Good Luck to ALL of YOU< PUMPERS! You have my respect!! hugs, pat roth

Well, I was gonna offer up advice, having just switched to the pump two years ago (wow.. has it been that long?). It sounds like you're working it out though. The most important thing with the pump is making constant adjustments. It can take awhile to get the basals set right. I'm glad its going better. I love the pump!

Yes Melissa Dawn, I agree. I find it necessary to adjust basals every week but just a little here and there. When the seasons change or my day to day routine or schedule changes I need to tweak a few basals. Tweaking seems to never stop but then I use very tight control and want the very best results I can get. Maybe my control is TOO tight??? LOL!

but i have yet to find the button to turn on the bat that will hit me over the head when i do bad things like eat.cant stop that i have tryed. just some fun i love mine if i did not have it i mite not be around any more i think it saved my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Richard what kind of pump do you have? My Dr. just signed the medical necessity paper yesterday for my animas ping. I am so worried that I might be making a mistake with the pump type. I hate the tube thing and contemplating that maybe I should have chosen the Omnipod.

Cathy, I have heard many wonderful things about the Animas pump. I had no problem adjusting to the tubing. I us the Minimed pump. It is good too. The Omnipod is also good nut I have heard several complaints about it on a few sites. I have never heard complaints about Animas. I got used to tubing by wearing my pump a few weeks before I actually started pumping. By the time training began I was already comfortable wearing it. Maybe you can get your hands on your pump early and wear it for awhile. Good luck!

i to have the minimed dont let them tell you that you have to put it on your belt . i only put it on my belt when i am dressed up . i put it all over the place like on my coller, i also cut the wast band out of a pair of under shorts and where it just above my fat belly this lets me get to it and hear it and keep it warm in winter.but it is up to you where you put it as for getting adjusted to the tubing i dont even know it is there only took me the first few days i had it. ps. the band above my belly also works well for me in bed i can slide it out of the way to one side or the other even to my back if i lay on my fat belly .

I've sewn pockets into my nightgowns on the inside upper body and it keeps the pump snug and in place. Someone also wrote that they buy t-sirts with a pocket and wear it inside out using the pocket for the pump.

Hmmmm! I guess I could try it with a night gown tonight but I don't think there is one in the house that would fit me. Lol! I clip mine to the elastic band on my pajamas. The clip is very tight and it stays in place in the midde of my abdomen. I have read that some people let the pump lie on the bed a short distance away and even when they roll over on the tubing everything works fine, no problems.

Why Richard I am so sure you would look absolutely lovely in a pretty nightgown, LOL. I guess also it will have to be trial and era. Sometimes I feel like I need to have it all figured out before I get it, but I forget sometimes I am just human after all.

The pump itself you can usually find a place that it will strap to your body where you won't be on it. I put mine in front of my stomach since I sleep usually on my sides. I used to keep it on my back but when I rolled over I'd put too much pressure on my neck and ended up with pain there. I don't wear night gowns, so I'm not sure where you'd put it there — assuming you wear underwear (hows that for personal) the clip will hold to that.

I am a side sleeper too. So my stomach may be the better option for me. The personal thing may be a problem. I like as little on as possible at night. Ok I am blushing here. LOL Maybe duct tape would hold it in place. LOL Ouch!!!

I have read that very young kids who pump have a teddy bear especially made with a pouch that holds the pump. The pump is safe and secure there. Neat! I found that on the childrenwithdiabetes.com website.

no i was not. but he has not had to put up with me picking on him like every one does but it is time and if he would like to pick on me thats ok to more fun for all . but back on the topic and i wont blush i took the wast band out of a pair of under shorts and clip my pump to that the only other thing i take to bed is my wife!see no blushing.

I have been put on the animas ping and love it. I have to change my cartridge everyday though I use to much insulin it is unreal. Plus I take 1500 mg of glucovance a day. I take 5 units of novolog per hour from my pump plus bolus. And I am fixing to start taking u500 also. No wonder I can't lose the 20lbs I want to lose. That is what my Doc said yesterday too. But I still Love my pump, it is so much easier and than MDI and am starting finally to get results since I added the glucovance to it.

When I worked as an nurse-aide and ward clerk in the hospital for 30 years, I picked up lots of tips, little knowing that they might be of some use for myself someday!One Dr. did NOT want the nurses to get excited and give Insulin too often, every time it was higher than the felt comfortable with. But to wait a bit and sometimes it will start to balance itself into a better range. IF they gave a higher dose of Insulin, (we had a schedule of set amounts to use at different levels—) it would get into a yo-yo effect, the pendulum would start to swing too far in either direction, giving more, then BS dropping too much, then having to overcompensate until you were in a world of hurt!

I have applied that theory to other health issues in my life—-too much pain med= side effects, when a bit of pain can learn to be tolerated with cool or warm pcks, a wet washcloth to the forehead for a headache, can ward off worse ones at TIMES! Besides, it just makes me feel better to have a cool, wet cloth over my eyes and forehead, closes out the world, is comforting—-

Well the nurse said that it'll take about a month if not more before i got use to it and i didnt believe her. I noticed about a week ago my sugars are ALOT better than they were when i started the pump. Pretty much back to normal and now i can honestly say I LOVE THE PUMP. All of was right. I did the adjustments where they needed to be and paid ore attention to the carbs. works wonderful now. you guys rock. thanks for the advice and support.

This is the type of story that rocks!! And show the truly engaged, enlightened, and honest folks. We are going to ask DR next week about maybe a pump instead. The Carb factor is huge, and not just the overall percentage, but what kind of carbs they are. What a great ending to this dilemma.

I am so happy for you. Maybe this means things will be great for me too. I am really close to getting mine. I am definetly going with the animas ping. I was thinking on the omni but the calorie king built in the ping will help me I think with the carb counting. And my insurance pays 100% of everything I dont pay a penny out of pocket. YEAH!

I am so happy for you!! Support is so important!! This is a good place to fine it too! And I also don't feel so ignorant about "pumps!" I hope that I never have to resort to such, but at least I know that others have and succeeded! Hugs, PR

Hi Butteryflyness: Since I have been on the MiniMed pump since the end of January of this year it has been a blessing for me. Since you have been diabetic for 15 years it took time to get your blood sugars under control. With the insulin pump it will take several months of adjustments to find the right control of your blood sugars. Keep a positive attitude in working with the doctors and nurses and educators on the pump. Since I have had the pump there have been numerous changes in the dosages of insulin aroung the clock and bolusing the short acting insulin and trying not to go into an insulin reaction. I am a brittle diabetic and when my blood sugars are 100 or below they fall very fast. I have been able to catch them in the 70's and suspend the pump until my blood sugars come back up and then resume the pump. Just a note of encouragement, when you see your doctor or nurse about the pump, write down your questions and make sure you get answers to those questions. Also instead of them calculating the changes in the pump, let them walk you through the changes and you will learn more about the pump. Remember- Stay positive.Sugar Moma

I have never heard it put quite like that but that is about the way I am. When my sugars drop below 100 they start dropping really quick. I am getting my pump really soon. I am getting the animas ping. I have become insulin resistant and my Dr. said it was time for a pump. My sugars are all over the place. From one extreme to the other.

I got a phone call from animas nurse today and she informed me that she might be able to get my pump for me through my insurance before I even go to my endo appt. in April. That would be awesome if so, that way I can get everything set up for the classes and get it tweaked while I am there if necessary. Animas is awesome. She even gave me her cell phone number if I needed her.

YAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! What a major plus!!! I got mine before I went to my training session too. I mean, what good is a training session without it? Hopefully, they will let you hook up right that day, that would be AWESOME!!!!

It really would. I took my printouts from sugarstats today to my Dr. and he said my sugars was so all over the place and I have done everything possible on the list that the only thing left was the pump. He said it would be so great for me. I have hope at least now. I just hope it works out. Wish me luck.

All of the above, is so funny and HELPFUL! It so helps to laugh when one is concerned about new devices, even though the problem is serious, we might as well all laugh! Isn't laughter supposed to be the best medicine?? I KNOW—-it needs a boost too, at times! PR

Actually your a1c is fine. but for every 10grams of carbs you are suppose to get 1 unit of insulin. I know when I first got on the pump I did not understand it. Until I contacted the trianig counslor that I had and she explained to me that just because the package says 40 grams of carbs you are to calculate the amount that you eat. also if you are eating chips the bag will say something like for every 11 chips it is 40 carbs so make sure the you are reading the container correctly. if you need anymore help let me know I will help if I can.

Just to be clear, not everyone has the same insulin to carb ratio. When my son started the pump, he was on the 10g to 1 unit ratio. But now that he's been on it for years, we've made small adjustments to find the ratio that works best for him. Some pumpers even find that a different ratio for different meals works best.

Yes John! I have insulin resistance even though I am Type 1 so my ratios are small numbers. 4 at breakfast, 6 the rest of the day and 10 at night. The reason for the larger number at night is that my insulin and carb sensitivity increase greatly then.

Thank you to everyone that offered advice and support. I saw my dr today and had him refer me to the diabetes education center in town. They have insulin pump training classes. I think i'll do better with the nurse and dietician there. The nurse i've been seeing doesnt seem to have much time, so might as well go with people that know what they're doing. So we'll see how it goes. Again thank you so much, and i will keep you all updated Trish

i went to pump school an my pc and got a diploma i had to bring to my DR to show i took school. i also used my pump with water first ( they gave me a bottle to load it from) and then gave my self a shot, using waat the pump told me it was giving .after 30 days of that DR let me use insulin in the pump have you don any thing like that?

I took the pump school online, then had the 1st appt with the trainer and hooked up the same day. 2 weeks worth of phone calls, and that was it. If I opt to use the dual wave bolus's then I'll get more training, but I don't eat like that, so it's not necessary.

I have the Minimed Paradigm 715 pump. Sometimes when my sugar is high it is because the small tubing that is inserted in the stomach gets bent. I have tried using different infusion sets to correct this problem and it has helped.

that is y i donot put the pump on my belt that often i put it up on my coler or on a strap around my chest just under my man brest. this also keeps it from frezzing .the strap is made from the wast band af my under shorts. i am cheep they make the straps but i would not pay for something i tose out .

To keep it from freezing??? haha—Now for a fat gal in HOT kansas (103 today) that sounds far fetched, BUT not for you, I am sure! ha—Good luck with all of your knowledge! Heavens, NOW I KNOW that I never want to have to depend on such a contraption! It makes me even more happy to just have to take pills. See, I told you, and myself, that this site could be very encouraging! ha—PR

I dont know. I guess i wish it was more of me having to take several classes to understand the point of the pump, the carb counting, terminology etc… instead of "here's a pump, a nurse will contact you, and i end up spending an hour with her and at the end having no idea what she was even talking about"

doesnt MM have classes? I think you can even look them up online. I would try to find as many classes as you can, until you feel comfortable. Once you do you will love it. If you cant find a class let me know and I will do what I can to help you find one.

Hello butterfly, welcome to our community. I think you should see a pump trainer as soon as possible. Use injections until you are properly trained to use your pump. A CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) usually does pump training. An RD (Registered Dietitian) can help too. You need to know your carb ratios and your insulin sensitivity factor and use them properly before you can be successful with your pump. Who programmed your pump initially? Are your basals working well? I would never have done well with my pump unless I had a good pump trainer to get me started. She gave me a lesson each week for a month. Have you studied the manual that came with the pump? It took me about three months before I was programming my pump and making changes as needed and really understanding what I was doing. Good luck to you!

I'm sorry I can't be much help to you, as I do not use a pump. There are a number of folks on here that do, however. Maybe they can answer your question(s). I am puzzled about why you were placed on the pump if you were doing okay without it. With the high readings you are now experiencing, I would think the doctor (nurse) would be concerned. If it was me, I'd keep hounding them until I was satisfied that I was receiving the right direction and results.

Amen! I do NOT know a thing about a pump, never heard of one, BUT I do know that you should visit with your DR. and insist on better infor, it sounds dangerous to me to let those BS get that high, for whatever reason. From what I have read on this site, to let your BS get too high (over 150—-don't laugh—-) for a few hours can start to harm your blood vessels, nerves etc, so I can't imagine what this journey into LEARNING a hew device is doing to your body! ASK your DR soon. Best of Luck!! Pat Roth

Oh I feel so bad for you. I deal with high sugars like that all the time so I know how tired you must feel. I am suppose to get a pump next month and now I am scared again. I don't count carbs and I know I am going to have a problem when it comes to that. Because right now I just take a shot of byetta and eat no matter what it is. Now I am unsure about going on a pump. I wish I could help you out more but just know I understand about the crappy feeling of having high b/g. Good luck and I am sure someone here will chime in to help, we are a family here.

Oh don't be scared. I'm not a carb counter either but from what i've been told once i get use to it you should be able to count the carbs on something with no problems. Also buying a carb book will do you good. It's amazing how when you go to a resturant how most of them do not have nutrition facts information in the resturant. But I think you'll do just fine. Just a learning process i guess.

I hope I catch on quick because I get so frustrated easily. But I usually am pig headed enough to hang in there so maybe I'll do ok. I think the ping has something called the calorie king which gives all kinds of carbs of foods for you. I hope this will come in handy. What kind of pump do you have?

ladies dont give up. The pump can be a god send once your used to it. If you have trouble with calculating the carbs you can also look up info on the calorie king website. But the book is a good thing to carry in your purse. …sorry Roger that wont help you much, lol.

If you have a PDA or a smart phone, you can download Calorie King to it (I think it was $10). It is a fabulous tool and I highly recommend it!!! Not only can you look up carbs, but you can keep track of everything you eat each day if you want to.